First evidence of ocean acidification's impact on reproductive behavior in wild fish

[sue4e3]

ean acidification could have a major impact on the reproductive behaviour of fish living in affected waters, a new study shows.

Research conducted close to volcanic vents off the coast of Southern Italy demonstrated marked reproductive differences in species of ocellated wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus).
Key mating behaviours such as dominant male courtship and nest defence did not differ between sites with ambient versus elevated CO2 concentrations. Dominant males, however, did experience significantly lower rates of pair spawning at elevated CO2 levels, but a sizeable increase in their mating success.
Scientists say that while previous research has shown fish exhibit impaired sensory function and altered behaviour at high levels of ocean acidification, this study - conducted using cameras at nest sites followed by paternity tests in laboratories - provides the first evidence of the effects of ocean acidification on the reproductive behaviour of fish in the wild.


Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2016-07-evidence-ocean-acidification-impact-reproductive.html#jCp

[OKIsItJustMe]

1. K&R and original press release here…

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/study-provides-first-evidence-of-ocean-acidifications-impact-on-reproductive-behaviour-in-wild-fish

[font face=Serif][font size=5]Study provides first evidence of acidification’s impact on wild fish reproductive behaviour[/font]
[font size=4]Research conducted at volcanic vents demonstrates marked reproductive differences in ocellated wrasse[/font]

Mr Alan Williams
Media & Communications Officer
27 July 2016

[font size=3]Ocean acidification could have a major impact on the reproductive behaviour of fish living in affected waters, a new study shows.

Research conducted close to volcanic vents off the coast of Southern Italy demonstrated marked reproductive differences in species of ocellated wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus).

Key mating behaviours such as dominant male courtship and nest defence did not differ between sites with ambient versus elevated CO2 concentrations. Dominant males, however, did experience significantly lower rates of pair spawning at elevated CO2 levels, but a sizeable increase in their mating success.

Scientists say that while previous research has shown fish exhibit impaired sensory function and altered behaviour at high levels of ocean acidification, this study – conducted using cameras at nest sites followed by paternity tests in laboratories – provides the first evidence of the effects of ocean acidification on the reproductive behaviour of fish in the wild.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.1021